The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) organized a series of regional workshop on the issue of “Intergovernmental Financing and Service Delivery”. The workshops carried out in Alotau from 22 to 24 May for the Southern region; in Lae from 4 to 6 June for the Momasse region and East New Britain from 18 to 20 June for the New Guinea Island region. The workshops had full participation of Provincial Administrators and Provincial Treasurers, including representatives from main central agencies such as: Department of Finance, Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Department of Treasury and others including representatives of donor partners like AusAID and UNDP.

During the event NEFC presented the Provincial Expenditure Report for 2011 under the theme “Taking Stock” which summarize the performances and rankings of Papua New Guinea provinces in the implementation of their 2011 annual budget.

During the workshop the Department of Finance presented a summary of major policy changes for 2013, which included recent regulations on the Service Improvement Programmes (PSIP, DSIP and LLGSIP) as well as an updated in the provincial revenues, bookmarked tax and retails sales tax, supplementary budgets for unspent funds and an updated funding procedure to LLGs.

The Department of Treasury in its turn, presented the Budget and Expenditure Instructions, including the rollover of funds and warrant releases procedures. Most of the provincial representative participant was complaining about the late release of warrants & funds for the provinces in order to accomplish their annual planned budget, but they accepted that their financial reports were not submitted with timeliness and accuracy therefore new disbursements got constant delays from the central agencies.

The Provincial Capacity Building & Enhancement (PCaB E ) programme also attended the workshops and presented with success an updated of its activities in the provinces. Most of the non- PCaB supported provinces wanted to get the support from PCaB advisers, especially during this time when considerable funds are channeled to the provinces and the need for a proper accounting and reporting is most demanded.